Working with Aistear in Co. Limerick

On the 10th April 2014, 50 learners from fourteen Early Years services in Co Limerick showcased their learning from engaging in an Early Childhood Ireland Programme from November 2013 to March 2014 titled ‘Working with Aistear’. This was a non- accredited professional development programme based on the current needs of services in the locality and it was delivered in partnership with Limerick Childcare Committee.

The programme assisted learners to reflect on their current practice in relation to the principles, themes, aims, goals and objectives of Aistear. It awarded them opportunity to examine how they currently document learning and plan their programme of care (curriculum). It explored the learning environment (indoors and outdoors), the emergent curriculum, interactions and relationships play (based on children’s current and emergent interests and their stage of development), how children learn and their (adults) role within all these facets.

The feedback from the learners was very positive.

Some testimonials and feedback from the learners:

This programme has aided us to reflect on our practice, our environment, on our curriculum, on our interactions, on child led play, how we observe and see children and how we plan … ‘it is not as scary as we once thought it was’

‘I am not afraid of Aistear anymore’ ‘this programme has changed the way I view children’ I plan now with the children and for the children…I am more child led, it all makes more sense’

One learner shared that since engaging with the programme she feels more energised and less under pressure to be doing things… I am more relaxed and am seeing learning unfold in everything now.

‘We have completely revamped our home corners added lots of natural, real objects and we had one of our Dads create a kitchen outdoors out of old lockers, the children love it’

‘We love the Early Childhood Irelands Learning Journal, the learning stories and the planning templates’
	The children’s drawings of worms

‘Oh this programme has changed us and our practice, we will never be the same again’

Sharing observations with parents. ‘we have changed how we share with parents now’.

Names of participating services

Abbey Kids, Kilmallock
Banogue Community Creche
Bruff Montessori
Caherelly Kids, Grange
Desmond Community Creche, NCW
Fairyland, Adare
Little Steps Montessori, Ballybrown
Little Treasures, Dooradoyle
Start Right Montessori, Askeaton
Stepping Stones, Bruree
Starting Small Standing Tall, Ballysimon
Tall Trees Childcare, Castletroy
Tiny Tots, Kilmallock
Unikids Childcare, Castletroy